Two new species of Pestalotiopsis (Amphisphaeriales, Pestalotiopsidaceae) causing needle blight of Pinus massoniana in China

Pinus massoniana Lamb. is an important tree species widely used for afforestation and industrial timber on barren hills in China. Needle blight of P. massoniana, caused by Pestalotiopsis spp., is widespread and occurs over a large area. In this study, 10 representative strains were isolated from diseased needles of P. massoniana in Anhui and Guangxi provinces.

Based on phylogenetic analysis of three genomic loci (ITS, TEF 1, and TUB 2), combined with morphological characteristics, two new species — Pestalotiopsis liuzhouensis sp. nov. and Pestalotiopsis kendrickii sp. nov. — were identified. Pathogenicity experiments showed that these 10 representative strains were pathogenic to P. massoniana. This study enhances understanding of the diversity of pathogens causing P. massoniana needle blight and provides insights for future control strategies.